One of the five dentists manning the fully equipped dental facility on board, the 40-year-old migrated to the US over 18 years ago, reports Rahul Singh.

He may have become an American citizen but Lieutenant Commander Mohammad Kamil’s heart still beats for India. As the only Indian American serving on the USS Nimitz, the supercarrier’s scheduled port call in Chennai from July 2-July 5 will definitely be a more joyous period for Kamil than any of the 5,000-odd personnel onboard.

One of the five dentists manning the fully equipped dental facility on board, the 40-year-old migrated to the US over 18 years ago. He says, the US gave him all that he had aspired for, a great life, a secure future, prosperity. But India holds a special place in his heart. “I will be visiting Chennai as a US citizen but I am an Indian at heart. It will be an emotional experience for me. I lived in India for 22 years,” adds Kamil.

His wife arrived in Bangalore a few weeks ago to be with her parents. She will be coming to Chennai along with the children to spend time with him. Kamil’s two-year tenure on USS Nimitz ends this July.

He says, “When I migrated to the US, I could not speak even a word of English. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be aboard Nimitz on its first port visit to India.”